Childminder in Doncaster

Inspection report for early years provision

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317713 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2007 Inspection date Lynn Masterman Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1988. She lives with her daughter aged 17 years in a village near Doncaster. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children under eight years and one over eight years who attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well rested as the childminder provides a comfortable place for children to sleep and rest in line with their individual routines. These are discussed and agreed with parents. Children have access to a suitable range of physical activities, which supports the development of their physical skills and the opportunity to practise new skills. For example, children enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 running, jumping and skipping. They regularly play in the garden, go for walks and visit local parks. This helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and makes exercise fun. Younger children begin to develop their fine motor skills as they access a wide range of colourful age-appropriate toys, which can be pulled, sucked, squeezed and held.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through consistent daily routines. For example, children know to wash their hands at appropriate times of the day. They have individual towels and flannels. The childminder assists very young children to fill the bowl with water and use soap appropriately. This helps children learn the importance of good hygiene practice from an early age. The childminder has sound knowledge of children's ailments and incubation periods, with regard to infectious illnesses. She implements an appropriate exclusion policy for sick children. Signs and symptoms are promptly recognised and parents are informed. This ensures the risk of infection to other children is minimal.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy, balanced diet. The childminder provides a suitable range of appropriate snacks, such as fruit, raw vegetables, toast and sandwiches. The childminder tempts children to try new foods, such as pasta and spaghetti. This helps children to explore different taste and textures. The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs and takes account of children's likes and dislikes when preparing meals. They access drinks independently throughout the day and can choose from low sugar fruit drinks, such as blackcurrant and pineapple juice or milk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment, where they are able to move around freely and independently. The risk of accidental injury is minimal due to the close supervision of the childminder. Appropriate steps are taken to minimise potential hazards. For example, dangerous items are stored out of children's reach and children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. The fire evacuation procedure is displayed and the childminder has a whistle with her at all times, which is used as part of the fire evacuation procedure to make the children aware of danger. This helps children to be aware of their safety. Appropriate use is made of opportunities to develop children's awareness of road safety when walking to school and on outings. They are encouraged to stay close to the childminder and hold hands when crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a good range of quality toys, which are suitable for their age and stage of development. Play resources are stored appropriately in storage boxes at an accessible height to encourage independent access. They are regularly checked to ensure they remain safe and do not pose a risk to children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She is able to recognise potential indicators of abuse and knows to monitor and record concerns. She is confident with the procedures to be followed should she need to report a concern. This ensures children are appropriately safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home-from-home environment where they are happy and settled. The children are responsive to the warm, soothing approach of the childminder and are given

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 lots of eye contact and adult interaction. For example, the childminder echoes the sounds made by young children when talking on the telephone to parents. The childminder asks the children 'are you talking to mummy?' She offers the children reassurance through hugs and facial expression when they reply 'mummy coming soon'. This helps children to become skilful communicators.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have the opportunity to access a suitable range of purposeful activities. They are stimulated to build on existing skills as the childminder takes an active role in their play. For example, young children make marks on their pictures using circular movements. The childminder asks the children questions, such as 'are you drawing your face?' and 'where shall we put your eyes, nose, mouth and hair?' The children make their own marks on the paper and point to their own facial features. This helps children to develop pre-writing skills and to make links with their own image. However, the opportunity for children to develop their sensory and exploration skills through natural materials is not fully explored.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Consideration is given to children who have been in a structured environment at school. They are provided with opportunities to relax and are encouraged to make choices for themselves. Play resources are accessible, which allows children to use their initiative and make choices and decisions for themselves. This results in children being involved and interested in their own play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal care and concern. They are valued as individuals and routines are discussed with parents, which ensure appropriate steps are taken to provide a suitable environment. The childminder has developed a caring relationship with the children and knows them well. They are responded to with warmth, affection and understanding, which develops their sense of self-worth and confidence. For example, the childminder respects that some children enjoy lots of cuddles whilst other children need to have space to be by themselves. This helps children to feel safe and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. The childminder has a consistent approach to the management of children's behaviour. They are encouraged to be polite, share and be respectful towards each other. For example, children are encouraged to use 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately. This helps children to show consideration for others and develop social skills. Children receive praise and encouragement for their achievements. For example, children are praised for helping to tidy away toys. This helps children to develop a sense of belonging and feel their contribution is valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an acceptable understanding of promoting children's awareness of equality of opportunity and children have access to a suitable range of play resources, which are not gender biased. However, the range of resources and the childminder's understanding of how to promote similarities and differences through play is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A positive relationship with parents and carers ensures that the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs. Ongoing verbal communication ensures that parents are kept up to date about their child's care and progress. Due to this successful relationship children's needs are continually met and children remain settled in the childminder's care. This clearly contributes to the children's overall well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care, learning and play are appropriately supported by the childminder, as she gives them individual attention. The childminder is well organised and has good daily routines, which promote satisfactory outcomes for children. Space is used purposefully to enable children to access a varied range of play opportunities and experiences. This ensures children are able to move around with ease and confidence in a home-from-home environment.

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Organisation

Statutory documentation meets the requirements of the National Standards and is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. However, the childminder lacks sufficient knowledge of the timescale for dealing with complaints. There is a suitable range of policies and procedures and verbal agreements with parents contribute to the safety and welfare of children. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given a number of recommendations. These related to children's safety, play, documentation and parental consents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made improvements in most areas. There is a suitable fire evacuation procedure and the fire blanket is mounted appropriately. Keys to main external doors are accessible and there is an appropriate plan in place for emergencies, which is agreed with parents. Therefore, children are safe and secure. Documentation with regard to parental consent for access to pets and a complaints procedure for parents is in place. The childminder has acceptable knowledge of how to promote the children's awareness of equality of opportunity through a suitable range of play resources. Therefore, children are beginning to develop their awareness of diversity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure young children have access to range of sensory experiences

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • develop further the knowledge and range of resources to promote children's awareness of similarities and differences through play • develop further knowledge of the procedures for dealing with complaints.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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